Hatfield Park

Project Description:Construction and layout of a new visitor entrance, car and coach park for Hatfield House, a major tourist destination in Hertfordshire.

Case Study:The proposals involved the presentation of a number of very special circumstances justifying the case for planning permission within the Green Belt. There were two existing and unsympathetic 1960’s car parks adjacent to Hatfield House, an important Grade I Listed Building set within a Registered Park and Garden close to the town of Old Hatfield. The proposals involved removing these car parks and re-planning the internal layout of the Historic Park by segregating tourist and business traffic. A brand-new entrance gateway was created for visitor traffic including coaches, with careful consideration being given to surface treatments and landscaping.

The attractive historic gateway was being constantly damaged by coaches and the removal of the previous tarmac carparks substantially enhanced the setting and approach to the heritage assets. Supporting the local economy and enhancing the visitor experience were other key benefits gained through the granting of planning permission.